Oil in Kolmani will not tear us apart, Governor Bala assures neighboring Gombe state
…..as President Buhari inaugurates oil drilling project in Kolmani
Mohammed Kaka Misau
As the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari flagged-off the Kolmani Integrated Development Project in Barambu village of Alkaleri local government of Bauchi, bordering Akko local government area of Gombe state, Governor Bala Mohammed of the state has assured neighboring Gombe state of continued harmonious relationship.
Bala Mohammed gave the assurance while speaking in Barambu village of Alkaleri local government area of Bauchi when president Muhammadu Buhari performed the flag-off ceremony of the Kolmani Integrated Development Project on Tuesday.
Bala said, “for us in Bauchi State, this is an exciting moment. Despite the Kolmani River being the territorial demarcation of the borderline between Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi state and Akko Local Government Area of Gombe state, there is no conflict or tension between us”.
According to Governor Bala Mohammed, Gombe and Bauchi states remain the same, as Gombe was carved out of Bauchi.
“We are brothers and sisters in pain and prosperity. The discovery of oil in any of our communities will be for the benefit of us all”, Bala Mohammed maintained.
“Mr. President, we want to assure you and everyone here that we will closely collaborate with Gombe state, work in tandem for the benefit of the good people of our two states and the nation at large”, he said.
Bala Mohammed further explained that, as part of global best practice, Bauchi Sate is ready to sign a collaborative agreement with Gombe State, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd and the investors to ensure synergy, efficiency and conflict prevention and management.
He said as a government, his administration is already investing in such areas to create a sense of belonging, ensure government presence and reduce poverty and unemployment.
“We will maintain a peaceful and harmonious environment to ensure our investors have freedom to operate for the benefit of our two states”, Bala promised.
The Governor who expressed gratitude to God for the natural endowment in the area, commended the efforts of Nigerian military and other security agencies for providing security to lives and property of the citizens.
While describing Bauchi as one of the most peaceful states in the country, the Governor pledged that his administration will continue to work hard to preserve peace.
He assured the President of continued support to the policies of the Federal Government and its efforts towards protection of lives and property as well as promotion of economic prosperity.
